Pancreatitis is a condition that affects the pancreas, a digestive organ located behind the stomach. It can cause inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It can also lead to complications such as kidney failure and death. To diagnose pancreatitis, doctors may order blood tests to check for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes.
What is Normal Blood for Pancreatitis?
In general, normal blood levels for pancreatitis should show that the pancreas is not producing excessive amounts of enzymes. Normal levels for amylase, an enzyme released by the pancreas, should range from 20 to 140 units per liter (U/L). For lipase, another pancreatic enzyme, the normal range is 10 to 150 U/L. If levels of either enzyme are higher than normal, this can indicate pancreatitis.
What Other Tests Are Used to Diagnose Pancreatitis?
In addition to blood tests, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to diagnose pancreatitis. These tests can help to identify swelling or other abnormalities in the pancreas. Other tests, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to identify certain causes of pancreatitis, such as gallstones or blockages in the pancreas.